Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
You can get a day ticket or a family pass which is what I have we go most months for a fabulous walk around the woods and the formal gardens, lots of wildlife to spot, there is a beautiful waterfall, lots of little huts dotted around there is even a water mill. The food is fabulous too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely walk around 2 separate areas - woodland with small lake and formal gardens - the house also is another added interest
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just been on a scary Halloween tour of Hestercombe House. It was fantastic. Took my two boys aged 8 and 11, plus one grandma! Was too much for the 8 year old who left after seeing one of the zombies hanging in the tower come to lift, accompanied by nervous grandmother! For me and the 11 year old it was pretty scary with the zombies in the music room and television room, and the dead coming alive in the graveyard with all the smoke. The only thing I would say is that sometimes it was a bit too dark to actually see what or who was frightening us! Also because of the steps down to the basement I would have worried about my 79 year old mother if she had completed the tour. We have been on various scary tours before mainly in National Trust premises but this was far superior. We will definitely book again for next year. Well done Hestercombe!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took my 16yr old daughter to this last night for the 10pm tour not knowing what to expect and it was really good! I thought £15 each was a bit pricey as it's less than that to get into Wookey hole for the day but the overall experience made it worth it and it was a great Halloween treat.
When you arrive you follow candles to the house which was lit up purple and it certainly looked the part for a Spooky tour. There are games in the hall and scary music blasting out while you wait. The terror tour itself is absolutely brilliant fun. In the dark, up and down lots of stairs, through rooms, outside, inside again all the while trying to avoid the lurking zombie types. It's like being in a film with plenty of screaming and hand clutching and grabbing onto strangers arms but all the while having the laugh of a lifetime. It's definitely not for young children but older teenagers and adults will love it.
Afterwards we were given chips and a hot dog - pretty rubbish quality but you can eat it in the grand dining hall and it's a good way to end the tour and talk about all the bits that made you screech!
The staff were all friendly and helpful and the tour 'actors' were great too. My daughter and I would definitely do this tour again.
When you arrive you follow candles to the house which was lit up purple and it certainly looked the part for a Spooky tour. There are games in the hall and scary music blasting out while you wait. The terror tour itself is absolutely brilliant fun. In the dark, up and down lots of stairs, through rooms, outside, inside again all the while trying to avoid the lurking zombie types. It's like being in a film with plenty of screaming and hand clutching and grabbing onto strangers arms but all the while having the laugh of a lifetime. It's definitely not for young children but older teenagers and adults will love it.
Afterwards we were given chips and a hot dog - pretty rubbish quality but you can eat it in the grand dining hall and it's a good way to end the tour and talk about all the bits that made you screech!
The staff were all friendly and helpful and the tour 'actors' were great too. My daughter and I would definitely do this tour again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Definitely glad I became a member . Myself and my children love there ..The Halloween tour this year was worth every penny ...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I have been members here for years but have now stopped. We think the admission charges are too high and the management need to look after long standing members more carefully We have passed on ideas to the staff but this has made no evident difference. We get much more value from National Trust membership and won't be renewing our membership.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A walk around the wooded footpaths is a pleasant experience, and the small formal gardens are very nice....... There are numerous ponds but no sign of any fish..... People like looking at fish!
The house looks like a 19th century asylum with only a couple of bare stuffy rooms open to the public. There is a smart restaurant in the main house, but at £14.95 for a fancy high tea, it wasn't surprising that it was empty! The cafe in the old stable block is nice and a lot cheaper.
The owners, should open some rooms up to give visitors a taste of the estate's history...... The yanks were stationed there in the war, Eisenhower visited and a Junkers bomber crash landed on the drive.
Hestercombe is a nice place to visit, but it could be a whole lot more.
The house looks like a 19th century asylum with only a couple of bare stuffy rooms open to the public. There is a smart restaurant in the main house, but at £14.95 for a fancy high tea, it wasn't surprising that it was empty! The cafe in the old stable block is nice and a lot cheaper.
The owners, should open some rooms up to give visitors a taste of the estate's history...... The yanks were stationed there in the war, Eisenhower visited and a Junkers bomber crash landed on the drive.
Hestercombe is a nice place to visit, but it could be a whole lot more.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having phoned before visit, was very disappointed at the way we were treated. My husband partially sight but according, to hestercombe your only disabled if in wheelchair. That said we did have pleasant walk round gardens
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had gone to a wedding held at Hestercombe Gardens and it was beautiful!! There are two rooms that they have for weddings but keep the place still open to the public but this didn't effect the wedding. Stunning grounds, i only wish it was raining so we could get to see the whole grounds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful gardens which I never tire of visiting. A restful and relaxing walk around the grounds followed by a cream tea. Lovely. Don't forget your camera!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely gardens lit up at night. The best thing though was the hot food in the restaurant - make sure you book in advance though!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe Gardens are NOT part of the National Trust. It is supported by a stand alone trust and over the past 30 odd years the trust has reclaimed the landscape garden and built Hestercombe into the visitor attraction it is today. Until very recently the house was owned by Somerset County Council and used as the HQ for the Fire Service. The Trust is now working to restore and develop the house.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited whilst on holiday and thought that the formal gardens at the front of the house were just marvellous. There are a number of different areas and terraces, gradually going downhill, the whole effect is beautiful. The planting was good with lots to see and many butterflies and other insects; the small 'daisies' filling many cracks in the steps and walls were lovely. We walked through a lot of the rest of the garden and there was plenty to see.
We had lunch when we arrived and, yes, it was rather expensive, although very tasty sandwiches, served with crisps and coleslaw. The shop and plant sales were good.
My one complaint is this - the boards displaying the entrance fee {not cheap} had a small note to say that prices include a 'voluntary' 10% contribution to the upkeep. We did not see this until after we had paid and no one drew our attention to this supposedly voluntary contribution - not a good arrangement, we would have liked to know this before we paid, how many of us study the small print on a board by the entrance?
However, in spite of this, the gardens are well worth a visit.
We had lunch when we arrived and, yes, it was rather expensive, although very tasty sandwiches, served with crisps and coleslaw. The shop and plant sales were good.
My one complaint is this - the boards displaying the entrance fee {not cheap} had a small note to say that prices include a 'voluntary' 10% contribution to the upkeep. We did not see this until after we had paid and no one drew our attention to this supposedly voluntary contribution - not a good arrangement, we would have liked to know this before we paid, how many of us study the small print on a board by the entrance?
However, in spite of this, the gardens are well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This National Trust supported venue has most things that Great Houses and historical gardens have to offer, That said it is most definately not as good as other National Trust Gardens and Historical Buildings. The gardens and walks are very pleasant and there is some great opportunities for 'Photo Shots' However, where this falls down is there is little or no information available to explain the history of the house and its gardens except for the video recording in the 'Mill House' that aside there is little or no snippets of information as you make your way way around except for the grounds layout map you receive on entrance payment.
The tea rooms are expensive and it maybe advisable to take your own food if you are a family visit with children. The upstairs gallery in the main house is presently closed for refurbishment so there is little or nothing to see inside the house. Compared to say Dunster Castle Gardens which is not too far from Hestercombe the venue takes a second place in value and informative details
Worth a visit but not a second visit for me as in many cases I do visit places of interest on several occiasions
The tea rooms are expensive and it maybe advisable to take your own food if you are a family visit with children. The upstairs gallery in the main house is presently closed for refurbishment so there is little or nothing to see inside the house. Compared to say Dunster Castle Gardens which is not too far from Hestercombe the venue takes a second place in value and informative details
Worth a visit but not a second visit for me as in many cases I do visit places of interest on several occiasions
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Hestercombe to see the gardens. These were as good as expected, with a magnificent formal garden facing the house and extensive walks through woodland and less formal gardens.
We were then encouraged to see the art exhibition in the house; we were informed that a number of the artists were Turner Prize winners. Oh dear..... The only good thing was that there was no extra charge for rooms full of puzzling exhibits.
But don't let this review put you off visiting the gardens.
We were then encouraged to see the art exhibition in the house; we were informed that a number of the artists were Turner Prize winners. Oh dear..... The only good thing was that there was no extra charge for rooms full of puzzling exhibits.
But don't let this review put you off visiting the gardens.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The woodland walks are especially beautiful in springtime, with lovely views across Taunton from the folly at the top of the hill, which can be seen from Obridge Viaduct if you look up to the right. Plenty of places to sit and rest if needed and the formal gardens in front of the beautiful former fire brigade headquarters are beautiful when the roses are in bloom.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the first visit, we were hooked! We immediately became members and have returned at least monthly for the past two years (sometimes weekly during the summer). Hestercombe is so beautiful and there are so many little places for the little ones to explore. The children also love feeding the ducks (although we all wish the swan would return to the lower pond, as he is quite aggressive sometimes) and the fish at the 'secret lake' at the top of the gardens. Our favorite spot for a break is the witch's house, but of course, we spend hours at the waterfall paddling around in the stream. It's lovely. One of the best places in Somerset. Easy parking - not too far from Taunton. Fantastic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the gardens whilst on holiday in Somerset for the first time. Would definitely visit again.
We were lucky that the weather was lovely, sunny and warm for our visit. The wilder gardens have paths to wander around with little features that you can sit and take in. The waterfall was lovely as was the various pools. The more formal gardens were absolutely beautiful with some gardeners working on them whilst we were there.
There was an art exhibition on in the house on the grounds which we were told changes on a regular basis.
The gardens allow dogs and the pathways are wheelchair and buggy friendly in most places. You are given a map on entry which lets you know the accessible paths.
You could spend a few hours having a gentle stroll and wander around these lovely gardens and the entrance fee was reasonable.
We were lucky that the weather was lovely, sunny and warm for our visit. The wilder gardens have paths to wander around with little features that you can sit and take in. The waterfall was lovely as was the various pools. The more formal gardens were absolutely beautiful with some gardeners working on them whilst we were there.
There was an art exhibition on in the house on the grounds which we were told changes on a regular basis.
The gardens allow dogs and the pathways are wheelchair and buggy friendly in most places. You are given a map on entry which lets you know the accessible paths.
You could spend a few hours having a gentle stroll and wander around these lovely gardens and the entrance fee was reasonable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I actually visited Hestercombe for my friends wedding that was taking place in the grounds, however, we got to have a wander around the gardens and they are absolutely beautiful- well worth a visit on a nice sunny day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a beautiful place to get married the gardens were immaculately kept, lots of pathways & beds full of colour stunning views across to the Mendips . The staff very polite & helpful .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Come here quite regularly, live very near, peace and quiet, lovely gardens and a nice cup of tea and a scone fo rafters!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love this place. I have gone a couple of times now, this place has something for everyone. Inside the house there is an art gallery, and high tea. The front gardens are pristine but my favorite part is the back gardens. Perfectly wild, the back gardens run lush, with even a waterfall and lovely resting places to boot. I've seen deer and swans here. A great place to get lost.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stunning venue with excellent service and hospitality. My friends married by the waterfall, and it was idyllic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe Gardens can be enjoyed slowly and at your own pace without too many other people around. It has lovely formal gardens you can wander around and look at the well maintained flowers. The wilder gardens are good to walk around with some interesting little features and a small waterfall. It is a nice place to sit and take in the fresh air or just wander. The walking is easy and the gardens not too big. We paid to go in and one friend took an annual subscription which seems a much better option and value for money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with a group, not knowing what to expect and was absolutely thrilled. Simply beautiful, lots to see at every turn, and the unexpected around every corner. Will be returning as soon as possible. Loved it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
